and
Gotta finish 2 and start 3 before the new season starts!
and
Gotta finish 2 and start 3 before the new season starts!
That's how i've done it so far, but i can tell you i was quite lost for the first few episodes. Just so many characters. But i think we've been introduced to most of the characters on the show at this point, so it shouldn't be too hard to follow season three.
Also, without getting too off topic, book 3 will be split into two separate seasons. And i do believe i read that the chronology of the book will be shifted around to make the show more sensible. So maybe you have the right idea.
Definitely not, there's no elves or orcs, but i guess Dragons kinda count.
Taken from wikipedia
"Drawing inspiration from historical events such as the English period of the Wars of the Roses, Martin defied the conventions of the high fantasy genre. The series received praise for its realism; it subdues magic in favor of battles and political intrigue. The first novel contains practically no magic at all, yet the presence of magic keeps growing for each book."